Wolves are finding it difficult to sign key replacements for the players they’ve sold this summer.
Vitor Pereira lost 32 goal involvements from his squad when Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri left in June, with Wolves scouring the market for some quality.
On Thursday, Wolves finally announced the signing of Jhon Arias, who they hope can replicate Cunha’s magic in the final third.
But as it stands, the Wanderers are finding it tough to fill Ait-Nouri’s void. Wolves wanted Archie Brown before he joined AC Milan.
Unfortunately, it also appears Wolves have lost out on Atletico Madrid’s Samuel Lino as he closes in on a switch to Flamengo. So, with their frustrations being felt, the Old Gold may have dropped a hint on who is grabbing the Algerian’s shirt in 2025/26.
Hugo Bueno takes Rayan Ait-Nouri’s no.3 shirt
Spanish left-back Hugo Bueno spent last season on loan at Feyenoord. Bueno impressed manager Robin van Persie with his performances, including in the Champions League, where he made nine appearances and assisted once.
The Dutch giants were interested in the 22-year-old returning this summer; however, there was always a huge chance Bueno would replace Ait-Nouri.
This summer, after playing for Spain at the under-21 European Championships, the youngster was given an extended break, which meant he missed Wolves’ pre-season training camp in Portugal.
Bueno, along with teammate Rodrigo Gomes, have since returned to Compton Park ahead of their clash against Stoke City on Saturday.
And interestingly, the defender was pictured wearing the no.3 on his training gear, the number that Ait-Nouri wore before joining Manchester City.
This could suggest that Wolves see Bueno as a direct successor to the 24-year-old, and after his brilliant campaign at Feyenoord, he deserves the chance.
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Bueno’s 2024/25 stats at Feyenoord
Wolves will miss the flair, speed and trickery of Ait-Nouri down the wing, though Bueno can offer more ammunition for Strand Larsen.
Bueno is better at crossing than Ait-Nouri, and given there were complaints about the lack of service into the Norwegian last term, surely having the Spaniard at wing-back will be an improvement in that regard.
Encouragingly, it isn’t just crossing where he excelled on loan at Feyenoord, as the talented wing-back impressed with the defensive side of his game.
Hugo Bueno’s Feyenoord stats in the Eredivisie 2024/25
- 20 appearances
- 3 assists
- 4 big chances created
- 89% accurate passes
- 2.8 balls recovered per game
- 1.1 clearances per game
- 3 duels won per game (56%)
Hopefully, Bueno can use his form under Van Persie as a springboard to showcase his talent in the Premier League.